Hot Tub Electrical Installation

Hot tub electrical installation is easy with the proper preparation. Based on the size of the tub, it may be a 120-volt or 240-volt unit. Smaller 120-volt units can simply be plugged into a receptacle, where larger units will require full electrical installation. In this guide, you will learn how to install a 240-volt hot tub on an exterior slab with above-ground wiring.

Placing the Hot Tub

Place the hot tub on a cement slab in the desired location. Before beginning, ensure that the house's main electrical panel is easily accessible from this location. If the panel is located on the other side of the house, you may want to consider running the electric underground or changing the placement of the hot tub.

Preparing the Wires

Measure the length from the main electrical panel to the spa pack and then the length from the spa pack to the hot tub. Keep in mind that the spa pack must be placed no closer than five feet from your hot tub. You will need to be sure that it is still in sight of your unit. There can be no obstructions, such as fences or walls, preventing access to the spa pack.

Once you have the measurement, add an additional 2 feet to that. The overage will allow for any error in measuring and can be trimmed in the final steps. Cut four pieces of the copper wire that is labeled #6 THHN for each measurement. Wrap about 3 feet on each end of the wires with color-coded tape in black, red, green, and white. When you are done, you should have one of each color for the length between the main panel and the spa pack and also the length from the spa pack to the hot tub.

Running the Wire

Start with two pieces of schedule 80 PVC conduit, one for each length of wire. Run the marked wires through the PVC conduit. Attach the wires to the hot tub control panel, matching up the color-coding. Use electrical tape and wire caps to secure them. Run the other end of this set of wires to the spa pack, attaching the wires in the same manner.

Do the same for the second set of wires, attaching them to the other side of the spa pack. At this point start filling your hot tub with water. Once you have the power going you will need to start the tub to heat the water and prepare the jets.

Installing the Breaker

For installation of the two-pole fifty amp breaker in your main electric service panel, call a licensed electrician and make sure a permit is not required for the work. Doing it yourself will void your homeowner's insurance coverage.

Starting the Hot Tub

Once the tub is filled with water, you will need to get the main breaker turned on to the spa pack and the hot tub. It may take several hours for the hot tub to heat up. Use this time to familiarize yourself with the features and operation of your hot tub.